North Kinsman Mountain rises to 4,274 feet as the higher of the two Kinsman peaks, part of the Kinsman Range in Grafton County named for Nathan Kinsman, an early settler of Easton. The summit itself is forested, but a short scramble east along the ridge reveals granite ledges that fall sharply toward Kinsman Pond, with views across Franconia Notch to the Franconia Ridge, Cannon Mountain, and South Kinsman.
The most popular approach starts at Lafayette Place Campground in Franconia Notch, ascending via Lonesome Lake Trail to the AMC's Lonesome Lake Hut, then continuing on Fishin' Jimmy Trail, a link of the Appalachian Trail, to the Kinsman Ridge Trail and the summit. The round trip covers roughly 10 miles with about 3,100 feet of gain. Fishin' Jimmy climbs steeply through its upper section, with wooden steps and cut stone on the worst pitches. Many hikers combine both Kinsman peaks in a single outing, passing the AMC's Kinsman Pond Shelter en route.
The wooded summit requires a short detour to reach the eastern ledges and their open views; the ledges are the reason to linger. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, and icy conditions can linger into May on the upper ridge. Lonesome Lake Hut, operated seasonally by the AMC, offers overnight lodging that turns the two-peak circuit into a more relaxed endeavor.
